What Are the Etiquette Guidelines for Using the Bathroom in Islam?
Islam emphasizes the importance of proper etiquette when using the bathroom, which includes the following points:
- Avoid performing bodily functions in public places, under shade, or close to water sources, such as springs. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Beware of the two who curse.” They asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “Those who relieve themselves in the pathways of people or in their shade.”
- Refrain from urinating in stagnant water.
- Do not use the right hand for purification after relieving oneself (istinja). Salman al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet said: “We were prohibited from facing the Qibla while relieving ourselves or using the right hand for purification, using less than three stones, or using dung or bones.”
- Avoid mentioning Allah while in the restroom. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “I dislike mentioning Allah except in a state of purity.”
- Do not face or turn your back to the Qibla when relieving yourself.
- Ensure to cover oneself when using the bathroom. Al-Mughira reported an incident with the Prophet saying: “I was with the Prophet (peace be upon him) on a journey when he said: O Mughira, take the water container. I took it, and the Messenger of Allah moved away from me to relieve himself.”
- Practice istinja (purification) effectively. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once passed by two graves and remarked, “Indeed, they are being punished, and they are not being punished for anything great. One of them used to walk around spreading gossip, and the other did not use to purify himself from urine,” or in another narration, “did not take care concerning his urine.”
Etiquette for Entering the Restroom in Islam
When entering the restroom, there are several guidelines to follow:
- Start with the left foot.
- Seek refuge from the accursed devil by saying: “I seek refuge with Allah from male and female devils,” or “O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the filthy, evil, accursed devil.”
- Upon sitting down, rely on the left foot.
- Avoid conversation unless absolutely necessary.
- Exit with the right foot.
- After exiting, say: “I seek Your forgiveness,” or “All praise is due to Allah who has removed discomfort from me and granted me health.”
- Do not openly mention Allah’s name.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after finishing.
Etiquette of Istinja in Islam
Istinja refers to the purification process following the expulsion of waste from the body, either through wiping or washing. Key rules of istinja include avoiding the use of the right hand for the process and ensuring that the private area is not touched with the right hand. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised: “When one of you urinates, do not take your private part with your right hand, do not purify yourself with your right hand, and do not breathe into a container.”
There are specific items that should not be used for istinja, including:
- Avoid purifying with anything moist or impure.
- Avoid using soft materials for purification.
- Refrain from using anything sacred, such as dried bread that holds significance.
- Do not use bones for purification.
These guidelines show the Prophet’s concern for human health, the protection of the environment, and the respect for living beings, helping to prevent contamination and disease.
In summary, Islam has refined the behavior of Muslims by providing comprehensive etiquette for using the restroom. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted these practices, illustrating the steps to be taken before, during, and after entering the restroom.